Practical mental health skills and awareness training are key components for a safe, healthy workplace. They give people the tools to support their own mental health and that of their colleagues, and encourage them to access timely support when needed.

Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) has produced guidance that explains how to recruit, train and assess mental health first aiders in an organisation. It covers how to evaluate the support already in place, create a clear policy, and encourage senior-level buy-in.

It also includes case studies from well-known firms, so employers can see the advice in action.

MHFA states that the only effective, sustainable approach to employee wellbeing involves the whole organisation. Attitudes filter down from leaders and must be backed up with policies and procedures. Alongside any training, It’s important to review how organisations can create and nurture an open and supportive culture around mental health. MFHA says:

“How healthy is your workplace now? Understanding where you are on the journey will inform your strategy or approach and how you communicate it to the organisation. If you are new to talking about mental health in the workplace, we recommend you gradually introduce the topic to the organisation, sensitising and raising awareness.”

MHFA England runs mental health first aid training courses, which highlight the importance of signposting to support. It recommends employers to develop clear referral and assistance pathways so mental health first aiders can signpost their colleagues effectively and safely.

Mental health first aiders should also be given clear documentation of the expectations and boundaries of their role within your organisation.

Who should be a mental health first aider?

It is recommended that organisations train:

• A wide range of individuals – encourage applications to represent the diversity of the workforce, from different seniority levels, locations, genders and ethnic backgrounds.
• People who want to learn more about mental health to support others, whether or not they have experienced mental ill health themselves. Make sure that all applicants (not just those who have disclosed personal experience) understand what the role will involve and have considered their own wellbeing to decide if now is the right time for them.
• People who spend the majority of their working hours on site at the workplace for which they are nominated and can be called away from their normal duties at short notice if needed.
• People who can maintain confidentiality as appropriate and demonstrate an ability to relate well to others.
• People who can commit to the time required and who have support from their line manager to fulfil the role once trained.

The full guidance and details of MHFA England courses is available here.